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April 2017
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April 2017 1944 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 Distribution Special Delivery PUBLISHERS Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, John Howell MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella donnaz@rhodybeat.com Editor / Creative Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com WRITERS / CONTRIBUTORS Michael Cerio, Don Fowler, Elaine M. Decker, Susan Reardon, Danielle Zarrella, Larry Grimaldi, Mike Fink Ann Vanderslice, Kathleen Connell, Rhonda Taddei PRODUCTION Brian Geary, Lisa Yuettner ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com Bob Giberti, Lisa Mardenli, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski Classified ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications. PrimeTime Magazine is published monthly and is available at over 400 locations throughout Rhode Island. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters unless exceptional circumstances can be shown.
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b y M ichael C erio
Retirement T h e Pe r fe c t T i m e To Tr a v e l While, if I’m lucky, I’m still a good two decades or so away from retiring myself, retirement has been quite the topic of conversation in my family over the past year. That’s because it’s been just five short months since my mother took the plunge, removing herself from the upper ranks of the office life she’d endured for as long as I can remember. As you can imagine, there were in-depth talks about the seemingly endless stream of paperwork she needed to complete and the benefits choices she needed to make. But there were also a lot of other discussions, maybe even concerns of my mom, about just how she’d spend her newfound time. Sure, there are grandkids she can watch and spoil, and another on the way—thanks to my sister and brother-inlaw. As wonderful as that prospect is (well, maybe not the spoiling part), my mother has already put in her time; now is for her, and that was the message we shared at every possible opportunity. Retirement, I have to imagine, is both one of the most exciting and potentially frightening times all wrapped up into one. When working forty or more hours a week has been such an enormous part of your adult life, it’s natural to feel some anxiety and worry about what’s next. Though I’d never pretend to have all the answers—or even some of the answers—I can say that there was one piece of advice for my mother that I kept coming back to. And that was this: Do things you enjoy, because you’ll be able to do more today than you’ll be able to do next year, and you’ll be able to do more next year than you will three years from now. In passing along that advice, it was often tied to something everyone in my family, especially me, likes to do—travel. Now, traveling doesn’t always have to mean getting on a plane or heading to a Caribbean island, as nice as that sounds. I’ve always felt blessed to live in New England, where we’re in close proximity to so much more than some realize, including many natural and historic wonders. This got me thinking more about the specific opportunities that await my mother and people like her, should they be inspired to do some moderate travel in the coming months in the form of chartered day trips. As I poked around for excursions of interest—and there’s no shortage—I quickly learned that much has changed within the travel and tour industry. While fewer companies focus on accommodating individuals and couples, instead opting to concentrate on organizing groups of 30 or more, often through a community or senior center, there is one where individuals remain their primary focus. Best of all, they’re a local Rhode Island company that’s been family-owned for more than 90-years, Conway Tours. Operating out of Cumberland, Conway Tours offers a vast array of both motorcoach and air-inclusive vacations. They take guests to visit must-see sites and hidden treasures across the United States, along with Europe and Canada. For the purpose of this feature, I’ll focus mostly on a variety of unique day trips being offered throughout the coming months that explore points across New England and New York. “Conway Tours takes pride in being not only one of the oldest and most respected tour companies in the country, but also our ability to exceed our customer’s expectations with memorable experiences at an incredible value,” says Kevin Higham, Conway’s Director of Sales. “All of our trips are geared to adults 50 and older, and we offer more than 70 different day and multi-day programs, so there truly is something for everyone.” In a day and age where more information than ever is available at our fingertips thanks to the Internet, smartphones, tablets and more, many older adults prefer the peace of mind that comes with a seasoned professional handling the details of a getaway. That’s exactly what you find with Conway. From coordinating the travel, meals, attraction admission where applicable, and other extras that come with many of the day trips, Conway takes care of everything so you don’t have to. All you need to do is book your trip(s) of interest, show up at one of a handful of departure locations around the state to board your coach, and enjoy. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, or enjoy a day with a friend or loved one, you’ll be made to feel at home.
| PrimeTime
Each of Conway’s day trips are leisurely paced with an emphasis on history, culture, discovery, entertainment and fun. Of course, getting there is also a big part of the experience. All trips include roundtrip transportation aboard a deluxe, late-model, video-equipped motorcoach that feature WiFi and are operated by highly-trained professional drivers. “We consider it an honor and a privilege to have thousands of people entrust us with their hard-earned vacation dollars to provide them with unique and enriching travel experiences,” says Kevin. “It is our job to choreograph every aspect of a trip so the only thing our guests need to think about is the enjoyment of the experience—it’s an absolute pleasure for me to come to work each day and help make this happen.” With an overwhelming number of its customers being repeat guests— Kevin quick to highlight the company’s 98 percent satisfaction rate—Conway is always tweaking its trips ever-soslightly to make each experience that much better. A quick visit to Conway’s website reveals well-organized placement of upcoming day trips, broken down by what’s offered across three month intervals. Looking specifically at April through June, since I know you’ll want to get away after reading this, Conway’s offering more than a dozen excursions. There’s a day in Ogunquit, Maine, with lunch at a family-owned farm-totable restaurant before heading to the acclaimed Ogunquit Playhouse for a matinee musical performance; a trip to the Bronx Zoo; a guided tour of New Hampshire’s covered bridges; shopping in New York City, and attending a special open rehearsal of the Boston Symphony Orchestra to name a few. Outside of these, there were a few other trips that caught my eye on your behalf that Kevin was kind enough to expand upon. On Saturday, May 13, you can head to Albany to celebrate the 69th Annual Tulip Festival, which features the largest collection of tulips in our area. A local guide accompanies your tour of beautiful Washington Park and
the more than 100,000 tulips in over 100 different varieties. There’s downtime to browse through all of the fine art and craft exhibitors before enjoying an early dinner at the popular Michael’s Restaurant of Stockbridge. And, if you’re more of a ‘big city person,’ there’s a great excursion to Boston, where your day in Beantown begins with lunch at the famous Maggiano’s Little Italy before an adventure on an authentic renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle, better known as the Boston Duck Tour. You know; the same ones the Super Bowl champion Patriots used during their recent celebratory parade! Sticking with the Boston theme, and one of the trips Kevin considers a must for any New Englander, join Conway for a special narrated cruise to view one of the largest collections of Tall Ships ever assembled on Boston’s harbor. “The Tall Ships trip is a particularly fascinating opportunity,” says Kevin. “Coupled with a fabulous lunch at a popular waterfront restaurant and a stop in beautiful Rockport to do some shopping, this has all the ingredients for a great summer’s day excursion.” Of course, if you’re more of an adventurous long distance traveler, Conway has you covered there, too. They also offer a selection of motorcoach and air inclusive tours beyond the area. There’s the European charm of Quebec City, discovering the musical heritage of Memphis and Nashville, the beauty of the Azores in Portugal, and the majesty of America’s National Parks. Whatever you may choose, go…and have fun. “Our customers have worked hard all of their lives and retirement provides them the opportunity and flexibility to explore destinations they may not have had the time or means to do in the past,” adds Kevin. “I think many of our customers have certain things they’d like to experience and travel is often at the top of the list—we help to make it happen.” If you’d like to learn more about the various day trips and other excursions available through Conway Tours, visit their website at www.ConwayTours. com, or call 1-800-888-4661. And, if you see my mother along the way, say hello!
April 2017
road to retirement
On Saturday, May 13, let Conway Tours be your guide for a trip to Albany to celebrate the 69th Annual Tulip Festival, where you’ll tour the beautiful Washington Park and its more than 100,000 tulips in over 100 different varieties.
Relax, enjoy and leave the details to the Professionals
For the more adventurous traveler, Conway Tours offers a wide range of air inclusive tours, including one to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula.
You’ll feel like a member of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots when you take a tour of Boston—on land and sea—aboard an authentic renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle before dining at one of the city’s most famous Italian restaurants.
As the Tall Ships prepare to make their only U.S. port of call in Boston this summer, Conway Tours has a handful of day trips available in late June to enjoy a narrated cruise of one of the largest ship collections ever assembled on Boston’s harbor, complemented with lunch at a popular waterfront restaurant. April 2017
Whether you decide to take a Conway Tours trip with a loved one or an old friend, or looking to make new friends, they handle all of the details so you can focus on just one thing, having fun. PrimeTime | Photos courtesy of Conway Tours
Artists’ ExchAngE
DeFazio honored
Mohr Keet of South Africa bungee jumped when he was 96, landing himself in the Guinness Board of World Records. Yuichiro Miura of Japan climbed Mount Everest when he was 80. Not everyone in the golden years of life will attempt and accomplish such extraordinary feats, but most people can take steps to keep themselves young – at least in spirit – when they reach retirement.
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Cranston resident, Peter DeFazio has been named Outstanding Educator of the Year by the North Attleboro/ Plainville Rotary Club. Peter has been a special education teacher at North Attleboro High School for the past 18 years. He was honored at the Distinguished Service Awards Banquet at Highland Country Club on March 20.
Unfortunately, for many people retirement planning remains fixated on finances, so when the big day arrives they’re not quite ready to segue into life’s new chapter, says Ann Vanderslice (www.annvanderslice.com), president and CEO of Retirement Planning Strategies, which specializes in advising federal workers about their benefits. “After you’ve planned for the money, there is still anxiety about retirement,” she says. “You don’t know what it’s like to not work and so there is that emotional part of retirement you need to manage. Sometimes people aren’t ready in any way, shape or form.” She says a few ways to hang onto a little youthful exuberance while aging gracefully in retirement include: • Be a lifelong learner. Making the effort to learn about new things keeps our brains young. Read something you wouldn’t normally read. Sit in on a lecture that a college opens to the public. “Some of my clients mention they took classes in philosophy or in a foreign language,” Vanderslice says. “It’s proven that those who are lifelong learners have a greater sense of optimism and a lower chance of dementia.” • See the world – or at least some of it. There are no doubt plenty of places you haven’t ventured out to, some close by and others far away. Traveling and enjoying new experiences is a great way to keep you feeling young and enthusiastic about life, Vanderslice says, whether you head to a state park just an hour’s drive away or you board a plane bound for Paris. “Part of the fun of traveling is deciding where you want to go,” Vanderslice says. “The sky should be the limit.” Don’t eliminate anything from your initial list just because of expense, she says. You might be able to find bargains, and because you’re retired you can travel any time you want, which allows you go in the off season when prices are lower. • Remember your doctor’s advice. Activities such as enrolling in a college class can help keep you mentally young, but you want your body to cooperate, too. “We’re always looking for that magic bullet, the easy and quick way to feeling younger,” Vanderslice says. “The truth is that those things your doctor tells you – exercise, eat a healthy diet, get the appropriate amount of sleep – are about as close to a magic bullet as you’re going to get.”
“People think that money is the most important aspect of retirement, but it’s really No. 2,” Vanderslice says. “You can have more than enough money, but if you aren’t healthy or doing the things you enjoy, the money won’t matter.” Ann Vanderslice (www.annvanderslice.com), president and CEO of Retirement Planning Strategies, helps federal employees understand their benefits, maximize the value of their benefits, and plan for retirement, as well as organize income planning and IRA distributions. Vanderslice holds the Registered Financial Consultant designation from the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation from the College for Financial Planning. She is author of “Fedtelligence 2.0 - The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Your Federal Benefits.”
| PrimeTime
April 2017
b y don fowler
road to retirement
Cruising To Bermuda It has been over 40 years since we first cruised to Bermuda aboard the original Love Boat. Times have changed. Today the cruise ships are larger, the food is more varied, and the price is higher. But, for the most part, Bermuda has retained its charm, beauty, and simplicity. Cruise Brothers offers transportation to and from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey on many trips, removing the hassle of flying. Living in the computer age eliminates the hassles of long check-ins, standing in line to sign up for shore excursions,, arranging dinner times, and waiting until you are on the ship to schedule visits to the spa and other activity centers. Arriving early, we were greeted royally were able to check out the Celebrity Summit from top to bottom, all 11 decks, and enjoy a sumptuous buffet while waiting for our rooms to be ready. After the mandated safety drill, unpacking, and orienting ourselves to the daily schedule of activities, we went to the main deck to watch our departure.
April 2017
The captain came on the loudspeaker to tell us that she (Note: SHE) had a special treat for us: We would make a U-turn around the Statue of Liberty and view the New York City skyline up close before heading under the Verrazano Bridge on our way to Bermuda., a wonderful way to start our vacation. At Sea Our first dinner in the elegant dining room raised the bar for cruise ship dining: Veal and beef Bolognese, with an escargot appetizer for Joyce/ Broiled salmon and a Thai spring roll for Don, followed by crème broulet. From there, it was on to one of the nightly shows featuring a very funny comedian, Robie Prinz, followed by a ‘50’s trivia contest and dance. To sleep, perhaps to dream of six more glorious days of leisure. Awake at 6:00 a.m. to blue skies, calm seas, warm weather, and a cool, gentle breeze. Breakfast on the stern deck, where I tried biscuits, sausage and gravy from England. The chefs offer daily specials from their countries of origin.
One luncheon (My favorite) was a Tunisian dish, Briik, a thin crust loaded with shrimp, scallops, squid, black olives, and smothered with a spicy sauce. Time for a swim in the pool and a relaxing whirlpool before sitting on the upper deck, gathering some rays, and gazing off at the horizon. There are so many things to do while on a cruise, from art auctions to bingo to trivia contests, to gambling, but my favorite is sitting on my balcony with a good book, looking up occasionally at the blue sky meeting the blue ocean. King’s Wharf, Bermuda On the fourth day, we woke up to the sun shining brightly over King’s Wharf, the newly created destination, where the 1917 America’s Cup will be held. I spent a good portion of the day at one of the top 10 beaches in the world, Horseshoe Bay, while Joyce enjoyed relaxing on the ship. The sprawling public beach is crowded, but you only need to walk a short distance to the quiet end, where huge rock formations a numerous coves make you feel like you are the only ones there.
The plan for Day 2 was to snorkel out to the far reaches and view three sunken ships, but those strong Bermuda winds prevented the trip. Plan B took us to a protected bay in a glass bottom boat, where we were able to get close to one sunken vessel and then snorkel in an area plentiful with a variety of fish. Day three in Bermuda was overcast with scattered showers. A trip by ferry to Hamilton, at the other end of the Island, took only 20 minutes, and the rain stopped to allow a stroll and window shopping along Front Street. From our balcony, we watched the Rhode Island Ferry (Recently sold to Bermuda) make frequent trips to Hamilton. We were docked near the American compound, built over a year in advance of the races, and watched the awesome sailing vessel practice for the America’s Cup. At 4:00 p.m. on day 6, it was time to leave the island, as the sun peeked between the clouds. Hurricane Bonnie was playing tricks on the East Coast, but our able captain changed course slightly, giving us a smooth sail back home.
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It is a late winter day and long rays of sunshine are streaming through the windows of Morgan Health Center, a Health Concepts ™ Nursing and Rehabilitative Facility tucked in a quiet neighborhood of Johnston. The sunlight floods one of the second story “day rooms” of this inviting facility and bathes in warmth a group of captivated residents who have gathered to hear Leo “the Music Man” sing. The sight of residents assembling to listen to Leo play his guitar, or to make crafts or play a rousing game of Bingo is not at all uncommon at Morgan Health Center. This is a place where residents can feel at home and engaged in life, especially when they are no longer able to live safely and independently in their own homes. The comfortable and familiar atmosphere felt here at Morgan has not come about by accident ~ in fact, it is the direct result of an intentional and deliberate effort made by thecenter’s staff to make this community as close-knit, welcoming, happy and safe as it is. When asked what sets Morgan Healthy Center apart, Administrator Ken DeLisi says without hesitation, “It is all about the center’s dedicated staff who provide stability and consistent care to the residents here.” One might even say that it feels like one big extended family at Morgan. From the multi-disciplinary therapy team in the center’s recently renovated therapy room to the caring nurses and CNA’s who tend to each resident in this 120-bed facility, to the enthusiastic team in the admission’s office, Morgan Health Center is a place where residents feel cared for, protected and valued. Under the watchful and ever-creative eye of Tammy Barone, the Activities Director (and the recent recipient of the “Activities Director of the Year” award), there is always something going on at Morgan Health Center. The activities calendar has something planned for every day, from Wii-Bowling to Coffee Socials to Trivia games to daily sing-a-longs to field trips out in the community; Tammy keeps the residents busy and involved. Her goal is to organize activities which promote important socialization opportunities and which provide predictable routines which the residents can depend on. Every aspect of the residents’ lives is taken into account, from their physical health to their social and emotional well-being. The rehabilitation services at Morgan Health Center are also comprehensive and exceptional. An experienced team of Occupational, Physical and Speech therapists offer a full range of skilled services for those seeking care following falls and surgeries, or for those with chronic respiratory challenges such as CPOD. Their singular goal is to help their patients return to the highest practical level of independence possible. If you or an elderly parent is seeking skilled nursing care, including memory-care in a secure setting, or short-term rehabilitative services, visit Morgan Health Center, located on 80 Morgan Avenue in Johnston. To learn more and to tour the facility, contact Director of Admissions Erin Campbell at 401-944-7800. Check them out at www.healthconceptsltd.com.
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CherryHillManorNursingCenter.com Residents and staff at Morgan Health Center live it up for Mardi Gras ~ just one of the many ways this close-knit skilled nursing and rehab comin Johnston loves to celebrate life. munity | PrimeTime
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April 2017
road to retirement
b y K athleen connell state direc tor
–
aarp rhode island
On Being ‘Retired’
You hear it all the time: “Retire? Me? I don’t think so.” These days, many people’s retirement financial plan is to work (and save) as long as possible – way past 65 and many have no real intention of stopping in their 70s if their job or the work they do allow. However, people do retire. And here’s what we hear from them: “I’m busier in retirement that when I was working!” At times I wonder if we need to retire “retirement.” But let’s back up a moment. My big boss in Washington, the CEO of AARP, is raising questions she thinks every adult needs to ponder: How old is “old?” Starting with what constitutes being “middle-aged?” Jo Ann Jenkins points out that a generation ago someone in his or her 40s was considered by most people to be middle-aged. A generation before that, middle age started around 35. “Middle-aged” was code for “winding down.” After all, up until 1961 people could collect Social Security at age 60. And with mandatory retirement a common business practice, workers anticipated putting their feet up in their early 60s as inevitable. Many, in addition to Social Security, had private-sector employee retirement benefits waiting as well. That was then. Surveys conducted over the last couple of years shows a majority of people now believe middle age starts around 55. Few people see that as an age to wind down. Many feel they’re just taking flight. Ask most any empty-nester.
April 2017
Jo Ann, I must stress, is not beating the familiar “You’re As Young As You Feel” drum. True as it may sound, the expression has always been a platitude used to congratulate “old people” for defying, bless their heats, the cranky, unhealthy, infirm stereotype of living at some arbitrary advanced age. Her alternative is that we simply “disrupt” aging by taking age out of most conversations. In short, to end the ageism that persists in our society and dispose of agebased stereotypes. Among other things, this could change “retirement” as we know it. Consider this: Someone is referred to as being a “retiree.” What does that conjure up? Probably an “old person.” What if you describe the same person as a former bank manager who now serves on the board of the United Way and works with the community outreach team? Do you picture a person 62 or 72 or 82? Age does not matter, does it? Society, Jo Ann asserts, has some catching up to do. “We need to dispel negative beliefs around and about aging even quicker than might normally happen — not because our world needs more political correctness, but because there’s a growing body of evidence that ageism has quantifiable negative health effects on aging people, in addition to distracting them from more vital considerations. In the abstract, a long life is a fine thing, but this demographic shift brings with it new questions to ponder (and act on). If you’ve got another 35-40 years, how can you make them all you want them to be and
what do you need to do to make it a reality?” Jo Ann is leading the charge around a movement she says will lead to changes that will benefit everyone. Disrupt Aging is the title of her recent book. “Disrupt Aging is about engaging on the big questions — around health, wealth and self — and, overall, living the best future you can,” she says. “As with so many things in life, either you choose a path for yourself, or circumstances conspire to choose one for you.” Disrupt Aging begins, she says with “owning” one’s age.” And it is the part of her message I love most. Why, she asks, do we spout dubious platitudes about people doing well (even though they’re) in their 50s, 60s, 70s or older? Isn’t life what you make of it in your 20s, 30s and 40s, too? So, Disrupt Aging is not about denying aging, or defying aging. It’s about owning your age and embracing the opportunities to live your best life at every age. Isn’t that what everyone wants? “If you’re alive, you’re aging,” Jo Ann adds. “With that in mind, it’s hard to think of a change that could deliver more benefit to more people than to Disrupt Aging.” So, let’s own our age and not be defined by “retirement.” When the world sees, pardon the expression, “older people” that way, we’ll all be better off.
PrimeTime |
Did you know? According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College University, men are now retiring later than they have in the past. In an analysis of data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Center for Retirement Research found that the average retirement age for men has risen from 62 in the mid-1990s to 64 near the end of the first decade of the 21st century. The reasons for this change are likely not because men are reluctant to leave office life behind, but because of a variety of factors that have to do with finances. Many companies no longer offer pension plans, so men are more likely to work longer to save more money for their retirement. In addition, Social Security benefits in the United States are now calculated differently than they were in the past, so men have a greater incentive to work longer. But finances aren’t the only reason men work longer. Many men now have jobs that are not physically taxing, enabling them to work longer as a result.
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b y danielle zarrella
road to retirement
Labor of Love When I think about retirement, the first thing that comes to my mind is the person in my life who I believe deserved it the most; my dad. He was the hardest working person I’d ever known but he never let work take away from his devotion to his family. He was a tile contractor and his eye for design and meticulous attention to detail made him the best in the business. He owned his own company and over the years became a well-known name in the industry. If you wanted a quality tile job done in Rhode Island, you called Rick Zarrella. My dad worked extremely hard, but there was never a time where I felt like he wasn’t present in our lives. Sure, there were some nights that he had to work late and some weekends that he had to take care of particular jobs, but he always made his family priority, and we took first place in his world every time. His interests were vast and extended beyond his work; he enjoyed fun construction projects and gardening. He built a beautiful vegetable garden in our
backyard along the fence. It had different sections that he made where the wooden doors could be lifted off when he would harvest the plentiful crop that would grow as a result of his labor of love. When he would get home from work he would head right out to the garden. We’d watch him out the window as he stood in his work clothes and boots, covered in mortar and grout, soaking the plants for their daily watering. He would stand there with the hose and calmly spray each plant and look proudly at what his hard work created. I always liked helping my dad with stuff around the house and had picked up a lot of “handyman” skills by watching and helping him work on household projects. HGTV was a popular channel in our household and my dad and I would often watch interior design shows and shows about flipping houses and he would say that when he retired, we were going to flip houses together. Unfortunately, my dad passed away unexpectedly in October of 2011 while he was working; he was only 50 years
old and never got the chance to retire. It’s sad to think that a man who worked so hard for so long never had the opportunity to enjoy the leisure of retirement; but when I look back on his life, I think he got more out of his 50 years than some people will ever get out of 100. The way he lived was admirable and full, and because he embraced his
favorite pastimes and his family with complete dedication, I think he did get a chance to retire in a way; even if it was only at the end of each day, proudly cultivating both his garden filled with vegetables and his home filled with the laughter of the people he loved.
Cathleen Naughton Associates Just like family
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April 2017
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PrimeTime | 11
HEARTY AND FLAVORFUL
Make your meal a hearty, tasty one by starting it off with this recipe for Herbed Veggie Focaccia Bread, a pizza-esque flatbread that’s a delicious alternative to all-too-common unhealthy appetizers. Topped with mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, olives and onion, this delightful small plate packs a nutritious load of veggies. Find more nutritious recipes at AICR.org.
Herbed Veggie Focaccia Bread
Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research Servings: 12 Dough: 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup warm water, 125-130 F 1 tablespoon canola oil Topping: 7 medium fresh mushrooms, sliced 3 plum tomatoes, chopped 1 small green bell pepper, slivered 1/2 cup sliced black olives 1/4 cup chopped red onion 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon thyme 1/4 teaspoon basil 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder nonstick cooking spray 2 teaspoons cornmeal Heat oven to 475 F. To make dough: In mixing bowl, combine whole-wheat flour, 1/2 cup allpurpose flour, yeast and salt. Add water and oil. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining all-purpose flour to form soft dough. Place onto floured surface and knead by hand until consistent and elastic, about 4 minutes. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. To make topping: In bowl, combine mushrooms, tomatoes, green bell pepper, olives, onion, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, basil and garlic powder. Coat 15-by-10-by-1-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Gently press dough into pan. With fork, generously prick dough. Bake 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cover dough with topping mixture. Bake additional 10 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
FIX UP A FLAVORFUL
SpringTable
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
F
FAMILY FEATURES
inding the perfect recipe to share with loved ones can prove to be a year-round challenge. These tasty dishes that include a flatbread appetizer, shrimp main dish and a favorite seasonal dessert made with strawberries can help you serve up a meal perfect for any spring gathering. Visit Culinary.net for more tips and recipes to make your springtime gatherings as nutritious as they are delicious.
We Make Health Care Easy Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island is proud to support the
Prime Time Senior Living Expo 1-800-459-6019 www.nhpri.org
Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island Offers Free Dementia Educational Series FAST, FLAVORFUL FISH DINNER
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder If warm spring weather has you in the 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Crushed mood for a simple fish dinner, look to your Red Pepper humble sheet pan. Follow these simple tips 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Pure from Dr. Wendy Bazilian, McCormick Lime Extract Health Advisor and Registered Dietitian, to 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and enjoy tasty seafood recipes you’ll want to deveined make all year long. small zucchini, Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island RI) is1 providing a freecut into thin n Sheet pans are perfect for(Hope simple Hospice fish noodles with spiralizer dinners because they require minimal educational series for caregivers of advanced dementia. 1 medium yellow squash, cut into cleanup and everything is baked on thin noodles with spiralizer one The series is a component ofpan. Hope Hospice RI’s Joined in Care advanced dementia 1 medium carrot, cut into thin n While lemon is a great complement to noodles with spiralizer program. Facilitated by seafood, members of about the hospice interdisciplinary team, including think pairing with other 2 tablespoons oil citrus flavors like orange and lime. Try workers, physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social chaplains 1/2 teaspoon saltand marinating shrimp in a mixture of the lite educational 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground grief counselors, the series provides caregivers with resources and coconut milk, lime extract, ginger and Black Pepper tools to help them on their journey. redcaregiving pepper. Heat oven to 375 F. n Add colorful vegetables like zoodles In large, re-sealable plastic bag, mix or asparagus to your sheet pan to boost together coconut milk, ginger, garlic both seafood and vegetable servings. powder, crushed red pepper and lime You don’t need a spiralizer to make 2595 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, RIAdd shrimp; turn to coat well. extract. zoodles because many grocery stores Refrigerate 15-30 minutes. Remove • Monday, April zoodles 3, 2017 – 7 p.m. offer pre-made in the5:30 produce shrimp from marinade. Discard any section. remaining marinade. In center of large, Deeper Than Words: Exploring Ways to Connect When Memory is Lost Explore more recipes to enjoy during shallow, foil-lined baking pan, arrange spring and May beyond1, at 2017 McCormick.com, • Monday, 5:30 – 7 p.m. shrimp in single layer. or look for McCormick Spice on Facebook In large bowl, toss vegetable noodles Facing the Loss andChanges: Pinterest. Dealing with Progressive and oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat well. Spread noodles around • Monday, June 5, 2017 5:30 – 7 p.m. Coconut Lime Shrimp shrimp in pan. Zoodles Keepingwith Yourself Healthy: Body, Mind and Spirit Bake 10-15 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through and Prep time: 15 minutes noodles are tender. Serve shrimp over Cook time: 15 minutes FREE4tO tHE COMMunIty vegetable noodles. Servings: Test 415-4311. kitchen tip: For faster prep, use 4 1/4 cup Thai Kitchen Coconut For more information or to pre-register, pleaseMilk call (401) cups store-bought spiralized vegetable (regular or lite) Attendees are welcome to attend one or all sessions. noodles instead of spiralizing them 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground yourself. Ginger
St. Martha’s Church Parish Hall
Care that Makes Someone Feel RIte @ Home
“Sharing Lives, DESSERT MAKEOVERDreams” Fulfilling
The RIte @ Home and Adult Day Health programs of Seven Hills Rhode Island offer caregiving options for adults with disabilities and seniors who need help with activities of daily living. For more information, call 401.229.9760 today!
About Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island
Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island is the second oldest hospice in the nation and
Strawberries are a seasonal favorite. Indulge by skipping the shortcake and whipping up this lower-calorie dessert for more flavor and less guilt. A whole-wheat crust layered with simple, low-fat ingredients and topped with fresh strawberries provides a tasty springtime treat. Find more good-for-you recipes at AICR.org.
Heat oven to 350 F. has Place crust on baking sheet and bake 8 minutes, or been a leader in hospice and palliative care for more than 40 years. The non-profit offers until golden and fragrant. Transfer to wire rack and comprehensive medical, emotional and spiritual care for people facing serious illness. Hope An Affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation cool completely. Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island is the major teaching affiliate for hospice and palliaPlace cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lemon zest and vanilla in small bowl. Using hand mixertive on medicine for the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. medium speed or wooden spoon, blend until combined and smooth. Spread cheese mixture evenly over bottom of pie crust. Refrigerate until set, 1-2 hours. April 2017 Before serving, cut off tops of strawberries. Halve largest ones and place in bowl. Cut remaining berries lengthwise in quarters and place in another bowl. Melt fruit spread in bowl in microwave or in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Mix in lemon juice, if using, and divide hot fruit spread between two bowls of berries. Using fork, toss until fruit is coated. Spoon quartered fruit into center of pie, turning
401.229.9760 • www.sevenhills.org
Strawberry and Cheese Refrigerator Pie
12 | PrimeTime Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for
Cancer Research Servings: 8 1 prepared whole-wheat graham cracker pie crust (9 inches) 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 2 tablespoons extra-fine sugar
b y L arry G rimaldi
lifestyles
You Can’t Make This Up… We have all had a moment where astonishment eclipses reality, common sense becomes suspended, and you wonder about your command of the English language. In these brief, but baffling, exchanges with servers or sales clerks, you struggle to regain your sense of clarity. In that moment, remember the classic refrain, “You can’t make this up.” Recently, I had one of those moments, so I decided to share a few of my favorites. Whether they happened to me or a friend, they really happened! The corporate names of these companies have been deleted to protect the guilty. CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN: A friend told me of her experience in a popular donut shop. The shop offered a dozen donuts at half-price each afternoon after 2:00 p.m. While she was making her selections, the clerk declared that they had run out boxes that hold a dozen donuts, so she would use two half-dozen sized boxes. When my friend started to pay, the clerk charged her full price, curiously explaining that you had to buy a full dozen to get the discount. Luckily, the store manager intervened and solved this complex mathematical issue. WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE: Another friend told me that she stopped into a well known fast food restaurant to buy three iced coffees. She had to take her medication, and asked for a cup of water. The teenage sentry, who was evidently in charge of cost reduction and crowd control, said no. The clerk explained that kids would ask for water and spray it all over the restaurant. My friend responded that she was 68 years old and assured her that she had no intention of creating mayhem. A plea to the manager was futile. (I would have left the coffee and demanded my money back). CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? I stopped at a local deli for a morning eye opener of a toasted cinnamon and raisin bagel with cream cheese on the side. After slowly and carefully placing my order, this conversation ensued. Server: What kind of bagel do you want? Me: Cinnamon raisin, please. Server: Would you like that toasted? Me: Yes, please. Server: Would you like the cream cheese on the side or spread on the bagel? Me: HRUMPH! DRUGS OR PAPER PLEASE: I am an informal caregiver for my 80-year old, blind and disabled cousin who lives in subsidized housing. Each year, I gather her income and expenses for a summary necessary to complete her rent re-evaluation. I visited the local outlet of a large pharmacy chain to get this information. That’s when the merry-go-round began to whirl. When I requested the summary, I was questioned (rightfully so) if I was her legal power of attorney. I answered yes, but told them I did not have it with me. I offered to let them call my cousin to verify that I was her general and financial power of attorney and empower me to make the request on her behalf. The pharmacist refused. I had picked up dozens of prescriptions for her at this same location, so I asked incredulously, “You will give me drugs but not a paper summary of her co-payments?” “Yes, he said.” In frustration, I retorted “Doesn’t that strike you as absurd”? Hah! I had stumped the corporate robot. He mumbled incoherently and could not explain his curious logic. He did, however, promise to send the summary to her “immediately.” Immediately, as it turned out, required two additional phone calls and a two-week wait! NEW MATH: As a grammar school student, I remember the drone-like repetition of addition and subtraction problems, multiplication tables, fractions and other methods of antiquity in the study of mathematics. Today, I am totally befuddled by the need to PROVE five times five equals 25. The following true life experiences PROVES that schools would serve the nation and the business world much better by teaching REAL NUMBERS rather than cluttering young minds with empirical studies of arithmetic. ONE PLUS ONE IS STILL TWO: While shopping at the store of a well known grocery chain, I bought an item worth 98 cents. I gave the clerk $1.03 and she sternly informed me that I needed another nine cents to complete the transaction. In the interest of saving the world from mathematical illiteracy, we slowly re-enacted the sale and I got my nickel. TRAINING DAY: I ordered a medium iced coffee at the local outlet of a national café. I became leery when the pleasant teen behind the counter asked ME how to ring up the order. Even though I helped her to find the iced coffee line on the menu board, she insisted on charging me for a latte. The iced coffee was price was $2.22 and she charged me $2.06. I gave her $2.11 and received 13 cents change. Obviously, she was a victim of new math training. April 2017
But, we’re not quite finished yet. The young lady poured hot coffee into a cup and proudly announced she would garnish it with ice. Thankfully, a more experienced worker showed her where the iced coffee was apparently hidden. THE BRITANNY SPEARS GEOGRAPHY PRIZE: I’ve saved the best for last. Brittany Spears once marveled that her talent enabled her to travel the world by declaring, “I get to go overseas to places like Canada.” Six years ago, my family and I were returning home from a week’s vacation on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. My daughter approached the first checkpoint at Dulles Airport with one-year old Nicholas in her arms. It was then that the TSA agent told her to return to the ticket counter for another boarding pass. When my daughter asked why, she was told, “You are going on an international flight.” For the record we were flying to Liberty Airport in Newark, New Jersey! My daughter tried and failed to explain to the agent that Newark was in the state of New Jersey, but the line was growing longer. Hearing this exchange (and petrified that this TSA staffer was partly responsible for my safety), I wanted to tell the agent that although we had been on vacation for a week, New Jersey had not ceded from the Union. Fearing a stint in airport jail for extreme sarcasm, I remained silent. Miraculously, a TSA supervisor showed up and inquired about the log jam in the security line. When she heard the agent’s reason, she sighed in amazement and calmly explained that Newark, New Jersey was actually IN the United States. The agent’s reply was priceless, “Well I was never good at geography.” Take my advice. When your next Huh? moment comes, paste a smile on your befuddled face and repeat, “You can’t make this up.” Larry Grimaldi is a retired freelance writer living in North Providence. Comments can be e-mailed to lgrimaldi49@gmail.com
Kathy and Larry Grimaldi share their travel adventures Stillwater River Publications of Glocester has released Wandering Across America by Kathy and Larry Grimaldi of North Providence. Wandering Across America chronicles their 2015 Great American Road Trip. The journey fulfilled a lifelong dream of driving cross country and exploring familiar landmarks, as well as some out-ofthe-way stops along the trail. Kathy was the Academic Department Manger for Anthropology Brown University. She retired from her 28-year career at Brown in 2014. Larry was Chief of Program Development for communications projects at the RI Division of Elderly Affairs. He retired after 40 years of state served in 2015. Larry is a monthly freelance contributor to PrimeTime Magazine. Fore more information about Wandering Across America vision amazon.com or stillwaterpress.com.
PrimeTime | 13
A Free event For older Adults & CAregivers. greAt giveAwAys & ProduCt sAmPles!
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Warwick Mall, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 400 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886
Entertainment - Enjoy Music & Line Dancing
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. DJ Joe Martini Will Be Spinning Your Favorite Tunes 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Learn New Dance Steps With The Swinging Ladies Line Dancing Group From St. Martin De Porres Senior Center 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Enjoy Fabulous Live Music with Larry Perlman & Company
Free Health Screenings & Information - Stay Healthy & Learn About Great Products & Services Blood Pressure Preventative Health Information Rehabilitation Home Health & Hospice
Health Insurance Housing Medications Pet Therapy
Brown Bag Clinic, Medication Information and Review –
Bring in your medication bottles or a complete list of prescription and nonprescription medications. A pharmacist will review them with you and answer any questions you may have.
Evaluación Gratuita de Medicamentos
Traiga sus medicamentos o una lista de ellos para que el farmacéutico licenciado evalúe y conteste cualquier pregunta que usted tenga sobre todos los medicamentos que usted toma, incluyendo los recetados, sin receta, las hierbas y los suplementos.
For More Information
Call American Health Resources, Inc. at 508-588-7700. Directions To Warwick Mall: Exit 12B off Route 95 South, 2nd Exit off Route 295 North, Route 2 South off Route 295 South.
Sponsored By: Produced by American Health Resources, Inc - 508.588.7700
14 | PrimeTime
April 2017
by S U S A N R E A D O N RI H e a l t h C a r e A s s o c i a t i o n
senior issues
your taxes
professional perspective
b y meg chevalier
Social Workers Mean Solutions Are Social Security Benefits Taxable? For Pam Rounds-Masciarotte, a social worker at West View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Past-President of RIHCA’s Health Care Social Workers group, there’s always a solution to every problem and her goal is to find it. In skilled nursing centers, social workers serve as advocates, working to promote residents’ best interests starting at admission. And for Rounds-Masciarotte, that can mean many things, from making the stay better for residents, giving them opportunities to exercise choice and control, and having end-of-life discussions. “While each social worker can have a slightly different role, at West View, I first meet residents at admission to talk to them about their needs and how we can meet them, check in on them regularly, coordinate therapies if needed and, if they’re short-term stays, work on post-discharge planning and any barriers to going home,” explains Rounds-Masciarotte. For long-term residents, Rounds-Masciarotte says her first task is to help many residents get through a period of adjustment. She helps to get them acclimated to their new home, introduces them to staff, and starts them off with activities. For her, the key is to get to know the residents as well as she can so she can develop an individualized care plan that addresses issues like anxiety and depression. “I participate in some activities and also work in the dining room and deliver breakfast trays so I can spend time with them,” explains Rounds-Masciarotte. “That way, I’m familiar enough with each person to notice if there’s a change in appearance or behavior.” If there is a change, nursing facility social workers escalate the issue to the rest of the resident’s care team to get them any needed medical attention. As part of West View’s team approach, social workers also take part in patient care b y M ichelle L a F rance
Pamela Rounds-Masciarotte
meetings every morning with staff, and meet weekly with the residents’ families as well as therapy staff and the care manager. Rounds-Masciarotte says she also is at the center of any non-medical problems that come up. For residents, that could simply mean a complaint about the food, a roommate or missing laundry, or families who need reassurance that their loved ones are safe. “We’re tied into every aspect of a resident’s stay,” she notes. Whatever the issue, the social workers know that good customer service is paramount so they’re proactive in finding solutions to improve all situations. “Whenever I talk to residents or family members, I never end the conversation before they say ‘thank you,’” said Rounds-Masciarotte. “I want to make sure I’ve resolved things. And if I don’t know the answer, I’ll find the person who does.” Ultimately, whether or not a stay in a skilled nursing center is successful relies on the performance of the entire care team, but as the liaison between the resident, their family and their interdisciplinary treatment team, the social worker’s role is pivotal.
senior issues
a lzheimer ’s asso c i a t i o n r h o d e i s l a n d c h a p te r
If taxpayers receive Social Security benefits, they may have to pay federal income tax on part of those benefits. These IRS tips will help taxpayers determine if they need to do so. • Form SSA-1099. If taxpayers received Social Security benefits in 2016, they should receive a Form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, showing the amount of their benefits. • Only Social Security. If Social Security was a taxpayer’s only income in 2016, their benefits may not be taxable. They also may not need to file a federal income tax return. If they get income from other sources, they may have to pay taxes on some of their benefits. • Free File. Taxpayers may use IRS Free File to prepare and e-file their tax returns for free. If they earned $64,000 or less, they can use brand-name software. The software does the math for them, which helps avoid mistakes. If taxpayers earned more, they can use Free File Fillable Forms. This option uses electronic versions of IRS paper forms. It’s best for people who are used to doing their own taxes. Free File is available only by going to IRS.gov/freefile. • Interactive Tax Tools. Taxpayers can get answers to their tax questions with this helpful tax tool, “Are My Social Security or Railroad Retirement Tier I Benefits Taxable,” to see if any of their benefits are taxable. They can visit IRS.gov and use the
Interactive Tax Assistant tool. • Tax Formula. Here’s a quick way to find out if a taxpayer must pay taxes on their Social Security benefits: Add one-half of the Social Security income to all other income, including tax-exempt interest. Then compare that amount to the base amount for their filing status. If the total is more than the base amount, some of their benefits may be taxable. • Base Amounts. The three base amounts are: - $25,000 – if taxpayers are single, head of household, qualifying widow or widower with a dependent child or married filing separately and lived apart from their spouse for all of 2016 - $32,000 – if they are married filing jointly - $0 – if they are married filing separately and lived with their spouse at any time during the year All taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return at irs.gov.
Now Taking bReservations for
MOTHER’S DAY!b b b
b
te n s h o rwait... r yo u e have w d ah ea call-ati n g se
7th Annual “Caregiver’s Journey” The Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter is pleased to announce the return of the annual Caregiver’s Conference. The 2017 all-day free conference for caregivers, named “Caregiver’s Journey” will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick on April 21, from 7:30AM-5:00PM. Caregiving is a long-term commitment when caring for someone with a progressive disease. “If you are a family caregiver seeking assistance for your own health and well-being or that of your loved one, this conference is for you,” said Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director, Donna McGowan. The Caregiver’s Conference will begin with a morning address by Maria Carrillo, PH.D, Chief Science Officer, Medical & Scientific Relations at the National Alzheimer’s Association. The afternoon will feature our keynote address “How What You Eat Affects Your Brain,” by Nancy Emerson Lombardo, PH.D, President of the Brain Health and Wellness Center®, and HealthCare Insights, LLC. There will also be a variety of workshops with topics ranging from “Alzheimer’s Disease and LGBT Older Adults: Issues and Strategies,” “Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease,” and “Renewal Through Art.” There will also be more than 40 vendors related to Alzheimer’s care. If you are a caregiver or healthcare professional, or want to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, please join us. On-site respite is available for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Visit www.alz.org/ri or call 800-272-390 for more information. April 2017
Enjoy a Harbor View Every Day or Night! SEAFOOD • CHICKEN • STEAK • PASTA
Fish & Chips!
Chowder & Clam Cakes Every Day! DAIly SPECIAlS Open 7 days a week 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
288 Arnolds Neck Dr., Warwick, RI • 732-6575 Located 1/4 miLe South of apponaug 4 cornerS
www.crowsnestri.com PrimeTime | 15
road to retirement
BBB Offers Information and Tips for Traveling Living a care-free retired life and craving a get-a-way? Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI, & VT (BBB) is warning consumers to look out for scams when making vacation plans. Planning your trip may require making reservations with multiple businesses whether online or over the phone, which unfortunately has shown to lead consumers to scammers looking to take advantage of those looking for a relaxing getaway. According to BBB Scam Tracker, consumers nationwide reported nearly 2,300 complaints to BBB relating to online travel agencies just in 2016, which is a 28% increase over the year prior. The leading cause for complaints are issues with guarantees, followed closely by problems with refunds or exchanges and poor customer service. “When you begin planning your vacation, it could be tempting to accept that too-good-to-be-true offer,” says Paula Fleming, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer for the local BBB. “BBB recommends doing your research and a finding a business you can trust first at bbb.org.” BBB offers the following tips to ensure a scam-free getaway:
Use reputable websites. Check out travel agencies at bbb.org/boston or search the Accredited Business Directory. If you’re using services like Airbnb or VRBO to find accommodations, be sure to research the business and read customer reviews about any rentals you’re considering. Get details about your trip in writing. Before providing any form of payment, get everything in writing. Make sure all verbal agreements are also provided in writing. Review all terms and conditions, taxes and fees, and cancellation policies. Confirm all reservations, total cost, flights, hotel reservations, cancel-
lation policies, or any restrictions that may apply. Use a credit card as payment. Paying by credit card offers additional protection should something go wrong or you need to dispute a charge. Never send a wire transfer or prepaid money card for an unsolicited offer as these types of payments are difficult to track and make it impossible to get your money back. Consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance is designed to cover such things as trip cancellations or medical emergencies. There are different levels of coverage based on what type of plan you purchase. Always read the fine print to see what’s covered and what’s not. Use caution when considering deals. If a deal or package offers a lot for a very low price, be wary. Watch out for phone calls, emails, faxes and mail claiming that you’ve “won a trip.” It’s easy to extend phony offers like these, but the vast majority of them leave hopeful travelers in limbo – and out money. Also be wary of free trip offers being shared or going viral on social media platforms like Facebook. Often these posts are tricks to capture your personal information and not to send you on a vacation. If you have been a victim of a scam, report the scam to BBB Scam Tracker and file a complaint with your local BBB at bbb.org. For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses and brands they can trust. In 2016, people turned to BBB more than 172 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 5.3 million businesses, all available for free at bbb.org.
News from Wingate Wingate Residences on Blackstone Boulevard recently named Lori Zito director of sales and marketing. Zito will help prospective residents and their families make the transition to assisted living. She will also work closely with local professionals to coordinate educational presentations and other events as part of outreach to the local community. Zito has more than 20 years of experience in health care and most recently served as a program manager at a Rhode Island home health organization. Zito also previously served as a director of community relations for a retirement community that offered independent living, assisted living and memory care. She has also worked for the Alzheimer’s AsLori Zito sociation. Wingate Residences on Blackstone Boulevard, located at 353 Blackstone Blvd., is part of a campus that provides a full spectrum of care, including short-term rehabilitation, assisted living, skilled nursing, and a special program for individuals with memory impairment. Wingate Healthcare named John Gage administrator at Wingate on Blackstone Boulevard, and regional director of Wingate’s Rhode Island communities, including Wingate Residences on Blackstone Boulevard and Wingate Residences on the East Side. Gage has more than 27 years of operational experience in long term care, serving most recently as chief operating officer for a Rhode Island-based regional multi-facility organization. Prior to that, he served as an administrator for several other nursing facilities. Gage has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 1987 and a licensed assisted living residence adJohn GAge ministrator since 2003. Wingate Healthcare is a familyowned business that has provided a full spectrum of care, including independent and assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care, for nearly three decades. Wingate on Blackstone Boulevard, located at 353 Blackstone Blvd., is part of a campus that provides short-term nursing and rehabilitation services, assisted living, skilled nursing, and special programs for individuals with memory impairment. To learn more, call 401-273-6565 or visit wingatehealthcare.com.
Innovative senior program honored Every day across the countq, older adults visit their local senior center to connect with friends, learn something new, discover how to stay healthy, give back to their community, and more. This year, the Salvatore Mancini Resource & Activity Center (SMRAC) has been recognized by the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) with a 2016 Programs of Excellence Award for its “Health & Wellness” Educational Series. The SMRAC was one of twelve honored with the annual recognition for innovative, creative, and replicable programs for older adults. Awards are given to programs in six categories. The SMRAC was recognized for their “Health & Wellness” Educational Series, under the Leadership, Civic Engagement & Community Development category. The SMRAC partnered with students of R.I. College’s Health & Wellness Program and offered an 8 week program on-site at the Senior Center. The program included a variety of wellness subjects that were developed by the SMRAC staff and nurse and a RI College instructor. “Our organization is an important destination for older adults in North Providence, and we work hard to keep our programs educational and enjoyable for our members,” said Karen Testa Leone, Executive Director. “We appreciate the NISC Programs of Excellence award, and hope that other senior centers across the country will be able to replicate this program to benefit their members.” For more information about the SMRAC and its programs for older adults, visit www. smrac.com. 16 | PrimeTime
News from Saint Antoine Community Saint Antoine Community announces the appointment of Ann Buono as the new Director of Development. Prior to joining Saint Antoine, Buono was the Vice President of Development and Public Relations at Kennedy-Donovan Center in Massachusetts. A native of North Smithfield, Ms. Buono resides with her husband in Douglas, MA. Established in 1913, The Saint Antoine Community is a non-profit health ministry of the Diocese of Providence providing a continuum of care to older adults in Northern Rhode Island.
April 2017
b y R honda T addei R N , B S N , C H P N
senior
issues
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious & Other Difficult Words
Most would agree supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is a difficult word. Many of you not only recognized it, but maybe even sang it. Unless you have young grandchildren, you may not have heard this word for many years, yet it rolls off the tongue easily. A song from the Disney musical of 1964, “Mary Poppins” has become part of our culture and remains well known. Having worked in health care for nearly forty years I’ve sadly observed many important difficult words we don’t want to say, never mind attempt to discuss with our loved ones. These words might include, hospice, palliative care, advance directives and end of life. These difficult words and conversations are also important to begin to embrace as part of our culture. In the book “New Perspectives on the End of Life”, Steffen and Hinerman (2012) point out that death is inevitable and universal, but dying has tremendous variability. When someone has a brush with death it is often a major turning point in their appreciation of life. The trees seem greener, they take
time to hear the music, smell the roses, be mindful of what and who are the most important parts of life. The rest of us often just go through the motions of pseudo-living day to day. Birth and death are the only sure things in a lifetime. The beginning of a new life in our culture is typically full of preparations, celebrations, information gathering, doctor selecting, life style altering, furniture buying, baby proofing, name picking, God-parent choosing, and all kinds of warm embraces for the upcoming honored blessed event. Soon to be parents may be nervous and afraid, but even when pregnancy wasn’t planned; a healthy family and healthcare system rallies around the expectant mother to help her usher a new life into the world. Now let’s look at the other sure thing; death. People really don’t like this word, death. We have plenty of euphemisms for dying; pass away, pass on, depart this life, meet your maker, perish, kick the bucket, failing, breathed his last, just couldn’t go on, and lost the battle.
Imagine for a moment that a family and healthcare system embraced the dying, honoring their wishes and helping to usher the patient into their new world. The result would be far more understanding, and far less suffering, and ultimately a life, and death would be honored. Certainly throughout my career I have observed and participated in deaths swirling in chaos and pain, and others wrapped in comfort and love. Providing the latter is my passion as a nurse. I know it is never easy to have these conversations with our patients and the ones we love. Physicians, through no fault of their own, had no real training in asking what is important to a patient at end of life. I have spoken to some older physicians who were told in medical school to never say the words dying or death; it was forbidden. The unfortunate consequence is that we may end up prolonging suffering. We may do better to embrace the philosophy of Hippocrates who said “Cure sometimes, treat often, and comfort always.”
Of course there will always be deaths that are sudden and tragic, but most people know when they are seriously ill, or have lived way beyond the usual life expectancy. I hope this article moves you to take control before there is a crisis. Arm yourself with information, ask questions, share what is important, reminisce with loved ones and talk to your health care professionals. You may find, like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, difficult words get easier once we say them out loud. We begin this journey the day we are born; while you are able, take the first steps to honor the end of life. This article will be the first in a series about living until the end of this journey. Rhonda Taddei started her nursing career in 1977 as a Nursing Assistant. She has more than twenty years experience in emergency nursing and since 2010, has been a hospice nurse at Hope Hospice and Palliative Care helping people understand the importance of making informed decisions at end of life. Community education surrounding burdensome treatments vs. comfort care has become her passion.
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April 2017
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THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
lifestyles
by DON FOWLER
By The Shore April Theater Summer Seafood PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER If you want to hear some of the most beautiful voices in the world, go to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. for a concert by Celtic Women: Voices of Angels” If you want to see a modern version of “La Boheme,” PPAC is bringing back to rock musical, “Rent” for its 20th anniversary tour, April 7-9. Want to treat your grandchildren to a live theatre experience? Take them to “Sesame Street Live-“Make a New Friend”, April 21-23. Is Anderson Cooper one of your favorite newsmen? He’ll be at PPAC on Saturday, April29 at 8:00 p.m. for “An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen”. Call 421-ARTS for reservations or visit www.ppacri.org. FIRSTWORKS Firstworks presents a world premiere of “Crossings” by the Aurea Ensemble at St. Martin’s Church in Providence on April 23, joining with Yang Wei, an acclaimed pipa virtuoso and member of Yo Yo Ma’s famed Silk Road Ensemble. Visit first-works.org for more information. RHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC Pianist Joyce Yang will join conductor Larry Rachleff and the R.I. Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, April 8 at 8:00 p.m. for a concert featuring the music of Rachmaninoff and Shostakovitch. If you prefer an earlier evening, you can go to the popular Rush Hour concert the night before, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. Maestro Rachleff reminds us that this is not a rehearsal, but a full concert. Call 248-7000 for reservations.
GAMM THEATRE Artistic Director Tony Estrella has adapted a new version of “Mary Stewart” by Friedrich Schiller, titled “King Elizabeth”, which will play at the Pawtucket theatre during the month of April. “This thrilling new version of Schiller’s classic pits the ousted queen of Scotland against the reigning queen of England in a titanic battle of wills,” according to Estrella, who will be directing the play. If you like history, you won’t want to miss this classic tale. Call 723-4266 for reservations. OCEAN STATE THEATRE You can catch two plays, especially appealing to seniors , during the month of April at Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre. “Inherit the Wind” debuted in 1955 and is still as relevant today, tackling the debate over evolution and creationism. The story fictionalizes the 1925 “Scopes Monkey Trial” in which Tennessee school teacher John Scopes was arrested for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution in violation of state law. “Inherit the Wind” plays through April 16, to be followed by six-time Tony Awardwinner, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, which opens on April 26 and plays through May 21. Based on the popular 1967 Acadeny Award-winning film, the musical tells the story of a young flapper who moves to New York City in search of a new life. It was a time when women were entering the workforce and society was rapidly changing. I remember, and loved, the great tap dance numbers and songs from the Roaring Twenties. Call 921-1777 or go on line at www. oceanstatetheatre.org.
in the Winter
In the Ocean State, seafood is popular any time of the year, but there is something about enjoying it more while eating outside in the fresh, salty air. The winter is my favorite time of the year to visit summer seafood spots by the shore, after the tourists have gone home and back to work. I’ve made a list of my Top Ten places to visit for the New Year (Or any time). 1. Nothing says RHODE ISLAND better than Champlin’s in Galilee, where we sat on the deck and watched the Block Island Ferry and many fishing boats enter the channel, enjoying their humongous Fishermans Platter (Fried clams, scallops, fish, shrimp, French fries and cole slaw for $29.99) which we shared, along with a 1 ¼ pound lobster. (Market price, which is high because of supply and demand.) 2. & 3-Travel a couple miles south to Oakland Beach and enjoy Iggy’s traditional clam cakes and chowder, while looking out over the bay to a clear view of the Newport Bridge, one of the best ocean views in Rhode Island. Their adjacent Boardwalk Restaurant has outdoor seating and an outdoor bar. We love their scallop dish ($15.99) and calamari appetizer. Coupons in this paper offer free appetizer and mini-doughboy baskets with dinner for two. 4. Nothing beats the oysters at the Matunuck Oyster Bar, a great stop after a trip to the close-by East Matunuck Beach. We enjoy the restaurant in the off season when it isn’t as crowded. 5. The road to Galilee will take you to a local favorite, Jim’s Dock, where you are the opposite side of the channel from Champlin’s, and watch the same boats come in and out. I’ve had some of the best fried clams in New England at Jim’s, where you literally eat on the dock. 6. One of the best seafood restaurants and markets is in Middletown, on Route 138A, on the way to First Beach and Ocean Drive (963 Aquidneck Ave.). They have a Kai Pau calamari dish ($9.95) and Portuguese stuffies that are to die for. Do takeout and have a picnic on Ocean Drive, where the waves and seagulls form a perfect picture. 7. It is not on the ocean, but Spectacle Pond will do. Eat outside at Cranston’s Twin Oaks and enjoy the best Baked Stuffed Shrimp (Market price) in the world. We order ours with mashed potatoes in the middle and a side salad. 8. If you like traditional fish and chips, deep fat fried and on the crunchy and greasy side, you can’t beat Ye Olde English Fish and Chips at 25 South Main St. in Woonsocket. You can sit in the adjacent park by the river and dam and enjoy them. 9. The Crow’s Nest, just off Route 1 south in Warwick’s Apponaug section is a popular spot for senior citizens, who start filling the tables at 4:00 p.m. for some of the best fried clams and fish dinners in RI at reasonable prices. The cozy restaurant sits on the salt pond, with sea gulls flying overhead and a clam shell parking lot. 10. We used to travel to Boston to visit Anthony’s Pier 4 until the popular restaurant, set on a boat in the harbor, sank. Down at the end of the pier sits the No Name Restaurant, our all time favorite for price, atmosphere and the freshest fish in the East. Then there’s Ye Olde Oyster House, and the original Legal Seafoods. No need to travel to Boston, as Legal has a great restaurant on Post Road, across from the airport in Warwick.
18 | PrimeTime
April 2017
LIFESTYLES
wHAT DO YOU FINK? by MIKE FINK
senior
issues
retirement sparks b y elaine m . decker
The Hammock Elder Creep What’s that colossal cocoon between two pine trees on the Roger Williams memorial garden on North Main Street? Oh, it’s a hammock, swinging in the spring breeze. Near a bench with a phrase above it shaped from steel and reading: “We the People.” My little Fiat stops and parks itself and I stroll past these small seats and stands, pulpits for park speakers, along the neatly maintained curving paths until I find that swaying canvas cot. Somebody’s in it. “Hi,” I said....”Columbus’ greatest discovery in the West Indies wasn’t gold, that greedy root of all evils, it was the hammock!” I went further. “You look as though you were canoeing, through the air, into the sky, instead of along that river on the other side of the street.” It was a pretty girl I was addressing with my line. “My name is Bella,” she told me in a kindly tone, and added, “I won this as a prize for being friendly. I’m a student at Johnson and Wales, and they value the virtues of sociability.” To prove her amiability, she also wished me well. “Have a nice day,” she said with a sweet smile. My response: “I already DID have a good day, because of you!” I made my way back to my teeny toy car, cruised by her spot, beeped my horn, waved, and declared to myself, “This is the meaning of life, and I guess by attaching the rope handles to the bark trunk of the two trees, Bella has created Eden itself, and the birth of all our faiths and hopes, by taking the time to contemplate the sky and to consider the beauty and wisdom of the trees. In their each and every season.
This is the way I find my happiness, through the “best friend” of every part of the day.
Of course, Simon Wiesenthal, the sponsor of the Museum of Tolerance, had a quite different interpretation of Columbus’ “sails of hope.” He believed in, or perhaps merely projected, a unique version of the Great Discoveries. He thought that the crew had been rescued from the darkest prisons created by the Inquisition, and that our West Indies offered a place of refuge, a safe haven for lost tribes. The highest moral virtue is to liberate others from jail, to use one’s personal wealth to ransom the desperate and the doomed. I like to think of myself as a kind of court jester, finding joy in small gestures and miniature magical moments. That’s why my anecdote about Bella struck me as a tiny but transcendental tale worth sharing...hopefully on a day when we can swing between two tree trunks clinging to the earth beneath them, and stare upward, not downward, glance across at our local rivers flowing along... and the traffic as well, cars, walkers, pigeons, starlings, and mumble or murmur like the Genesis Creator, “It’s all good.” April is the right month for fools: I cite a few phrases of a 19th century poem from the volume I inherited--it came with the house---by Edward R. Sill, titled “A Fool’s Prayer.” “The King, to banish care, to his jester cried: ‘Sir Fool, kneel now and make for us a prayer.’ His pleading voice arose: ‘O Lord, Be merciful to me, a fool!’ The King walked apart, and murmured low, “Be Merciful to ME, a fool!” So I guess this season we can all of us, high and low, laugh a little at ourselves and listen to the mockingbird and giggle instead of google and remember the line from the preachers and the poets: “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”
April 2017
More and more items in the media ing the shot that goes just under the skin are gob-smacking me with the possibil- and not into the muscle. TMI, perhaps, ity that I’m getting old. True, my body but I’m providing backstory here. feels a lot older. And if I let my roots He encouraged parents of young kids grow in gray for too many weeks, I look to get their own flu shots because they’re sort of old. Then there’s that milestone not just for “little kids and the elderly.” college reunion next month. But I still He elaborated. “Eighteen to sixty-four don’t think of myself as year olds think old. they’re inde“OMG! Sixty-six is now I don’t shuffle along. s t r u c t i b l e .” considered ELDERLY?” Hold on. UsI still walk briskly, especially vs. typical Rhode ing my deducIslanders. (I have that tive reasoning NYC pace—the one that keeps you (which still functions), I figured out from getting mugged.) I’m pretty savvy that he was defining “kids” as anyone on pop culture, especially for someone under eighteen and “elderly” as folks who doesn’t have any grandchildren. sixty-five and older. Be still my heart. I even use the word “gob-smack.” So Gob-smacked again. when did “elderly” sneak up on me? If that exchange wasn’t enough to Since I’m short and had a youthful make me aware of my creaky bones, face for most of my life, I looked for- a segment later in the show heaped it ward to the time when my age would on. The hosts showed a YouTube clip of earn me some respect, or at least defer- Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz ence. But pity? Not an emotion on my mocking Chelsea Handler in rap style— bucket list for societal interaction. Yet not what you’d expect from two blonde pity seems to be where my chronologi- actresses about yet another blonde. cal age has brought me. It pains me to Someone joked that Joy Behar and Barreport this, but people seem to feel sorry bara Walters should also do a rap video. for “the elderly.” To this, Whoopi Goldberg proclaimed: A news item that put this on my ra- “You need to stay in your lane!” dar a few years back had this lead: “An This expression was new to me. I love elderly woman with two cats has died in it and will use it if the occasion ever a house fire.” This immediately grabbed arises. But what resonated was the point my attention. Most of you are thinking: Whoopi was making. Gwyneth and Of course. It mentioned cats. But the Cameron are young enough to pull off a truth is, what caught my ear was the rap video that’s out of their wheelhouse. word “elderly.” I don’t know why or how, But Joy and Barbara shouldn’t try things but I knew I needed to stay attentive to people aren’t expecting from women find out how old this “elderly” woman their age, even if they’re willing to risk actually was. She was 66, about my age it. Double gob-smack. at the time. “OMG!” thought I. “SixtyFor those of you still trying to figure six is now considered ELDERLY?” out what “gob-smacked” means, this is The news piece ended: “Unfortunate- from the Oxford English Dictionary: ly, one of the cats died.” You’re probably “utterly astonished; astounded.” (“Gob” thinking I responded to that because of is British slang for mouth.) Southerna cat having perished. Not so, though ers have a similar expression: “Well, of course that made me sad. What I re- shut my mouth!” I prefer: “Shut your sponded to was that the copy was NOT: mouth!” It more accurately expresses “Unfortunately, one of the cats ALSO what I’d like to say to those who use the died.” My take away was this: The elder- word “elderly” to describe people over ly lady was old; she’d lived her life and 65. And what I’d like to do to them is probably would have died soon anyway. smack them in their gob. Sure, it was a pity that she died. But the tragedy was that the poor cat had its life Copyright 2017 Business Theatre Unlimited snuffed out prematurely. Gob-smacked Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement by local TV. Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Imagine my surprise when a few Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things days later while watching The View, I To Do When You Turn Eighty and 70 Things got smacked again. The guest was actor To Do When You Turn Seventy. All are availChris O’Donnell (NCIS Los Angeles) able on Amazon.com. She’s also been featured in ReaderSupportedNews.org. Contact her at: and the discussion was about flu shots. emdecker@ix.netcom.com. O’Donnell hates needles and was toutPrimeTime | 19
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April 2017
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